Adding a power inverter
I just recently realized quite by accident that in order to boondock with our RV, we will need to have a power inverter installed either by us or by a professional. 1. How difficult is it to inst...
Forum Discussion
How difficult an inverter is to install depends on your skill level but it is fairly easy. With the items you listed a 2000 watt inverter would do the job, you might getaway using a 1500 watt inverter but will more than likely experience overload conditions at times. This size inverter must be wired close to the battery bank which must consists of at least two batteries, four (or more) would be better.
Any successful attempts at boondocking with such 120Vac demands will require a way to restore consumed amphours to your stored 12Vdc supply. The 2 most commonly used methods are via generator and solar, if using a generator to replenish stored 12Vdc power, a multi-stage charger (portable or onboard converter) is required to effectively boost your battery amphour capacity quickly to avoid running your genny excessively.
For our particular situation when boondocking, we prefer to run 120Vac appliances that draw 1000 watts (heated hair appliances, microwave, portable heaters, AC unit) or more using our generator, although we have a whole house MSW inverter capable of doing so, we only have a pair of 6 volt GC2 batteries and would rather not deplete them so quickly.
I also installed 300 watt PSW inverter in our entertainment center that is used for powering our 32" flatscreen, HD satellite, Bluray player, Bose speakers, gaming systems and for charging all of our handheld electronics. Works like a charm and is a minimal drain or our 12Vdc reserves, with our onboard Iota IQ4 converter replenishing consumed amphours is quick and easy. It's rare that our battery bank is depleted down to 50% under most conditions anyway since we converted to LED lighting 3 years ago.
When we used to tent camp frugal was the word of the day as it pertains to power consumption, since we purchased an RV to enjoy the same amenities we have at home while camping, we use our rig to it's fullest and simply recharge to continue camping in style. For us boondocking is our favorite way to camp followed by state and federal campgrounds. It's only when these options are not readily available that we have to unfortunately resort to a private campground.
Finally, sales people rarely have all the right answers to every question. It is wise to be as informed as you can possibly be about the products you are planning to purchase, if they don't know the answer ask them to get the info you require from someone with more expertise at the dealership. Enjoy your new rig!!!
Any successful attempts at boondocking with such 120Vac demands will require a way to restore consumed amphours to your stored 12Vdc supply. The 2 most commonly used methods are via generator and solar, if using a generator to replenish stored 12Vdc power, a multi-stage charger (portable or onboard converter) is required to effectively boost your battery amphour capacity quickly to avoid running your genny excessively.
For our particular situation when boondocking, we prefer to run 120Vac appliances that draw 1000 watts (heated hair appliances, microwave, portable heaters, AC unit) or more using our generator, although we have a whole house MSW inverter capable of doing so, we only have a pair of 6 volt GC2 batteries and would rather not deplete them so quickly.
I also installed 300 watt PSW inverter in our entertainment center that is used for powering our 32" flatscreen, HD satellite, Bluray player, Bose speakers, gaming systems and for charging all of our handheld electronics. Works like a charm and is a minimal drain or our 12Vdc reserves, with our onboard Iota IQ4 converter replenishing consumed amphours is quick and easy. It's rare that our battery bank is depleted down to 50% under most conditions anyway since we converted to LED lighting 3 years ago.
When we used to tent camp frugal was the word of the day as it pertains to power consumption, since we purchased an RV to enjoy the same amenities we have at home while camping, we use our rig to it's fullest and simply recharge to continue camping in style. For us boondocking is our favorite way to camp followed by state and federal campgrounds. It's only when these options are not readily available that we have to unfortunately resort to a private campground.
Finally, sales people rarely have all the right answers to every question. It is wise to be as informed as you can possibly be about the products you are planning to purchase, if they don't know the answer ask them to get the info you require from someone with more expertise at the dealership. Enjoy your new rig!!!
